The number of people taking ski holidays last year dropped by 6 per cent last year.

breakingtravelnews reports:

The UK snowsports market fell by 6% across all sectors in 2008/9 according to the Ski Club of Great Britain’s annual Snowsports Analysis report. The total UK snowsports market is now reported at 1.27 million people.

The decline in overall numbers can be attributed to the economic climate and the weak pound, although the report suggests that the excellent snow conditions may have influenced more people not to forego their wintersports holiday. Additionally the report discusses a returning confidence to the industry and last season’s great snow acting as a catalyst for more people to start skiing again or go for the first time.

A 2% rise in the tour operator market means it now makes up 79% of the overall market. This increase is at the expense of the independent sector, which now sits at 21%. It seems more skiers favoured a package holiday as this enabled them to know the upfront cost of their holiday. The increased cost of flying at peak times with no-frills airlines, and ski carriage charges, may also have impacted the independent market. To read the report click here

For more information about ski holidays including with Crystal Ski visit yourandorra.com

The Andorra ski resort of Soldeu is one of the top ski resorts when it comes to value for money, recent research shows.

The village is hoping that more people will visit for their 2010 ski holidays including those who often take French ski holidays

After experiencing a drop of 13 per cent in visitors last year, the ski holidays industry will be hoping that 2009/10 will see a pick up as skiers start booking again.

Fortune is on their side at least - early snow saw some of the Colorado resorts open in early October - the earliest for 40 years - and In Europe the Pyrenees had high snowfall in early November - benefitting both French ski holidays and Andorra.

But while the weather may be on the industry’s side, the long, deep recession in both Europe and Northern America casts doubts over their 2010 aspirations.

For many people ski holidays are a luxury item, while the family summer vacation is seen as much more of an essential item for expenditure, and while economies are coming out of recession many people have concerns about their own job security or the state of their business, and might hold back this year until they are confident of the future.

This is particularly relevant for the skiing industry - the recession was caused by a banking crisis and a disproportionate number of people who took skiing holidays in recent years worked in the banking and finance industries - often spending between four and eight thousand Euros on the trip and spending freely while in the resorts during their French ski holidays, in Andorra, Switzerland, Colorado and Canada.

And the lack of free spending Brits compared to recent years will be noticeable, and keenly felt in the upmarket Aspen and Swiss ski holidays resorts, as London and New York’s economies were impacted most by the financial crises sparked off by the failures of investment banks.

Normal spend level tourists from Britain will be thinner on the ground too not just because of their economy, but many of the European ski resorts are in the Eurozone, and Sterling has crashed against the Euro, with the cost of Italian, Andorra and French ski holidays costing more for British skiers once they are in their resorts, unless they opt for an all inclusive package from comapnes who offer them.

So if there is optimism, where are the people coming from who will be taking ski holidays this year?

In Europe’s case it will be from countries who have the Euro, and who won’t be impacted by currency fluctuations.

And that will be mainly Germany, whose economy has grown in the last two quarters, and is firmly out of recession, while France might see a good number of people taking domestic ski holidays in France.

For Andorra, their economy is one that doesn’t rely purely on skiing, although tourism is an important aspect. As a tax haven a good number of people are employed in the finance and banking industries, and as the Andorra banks are independent the recession was felt less there than many other areas.

Property in Andorra hasn’t dropped as much as other European countries either as it not only has a local market but also sees people taking Andorra residency, who look at the houses and Andorra apartments for sale.

Time will tell if the optimism in the ski holidays industry is misplaced, or if 2010 proves to be a turning point.

More information about Andorra is available with yourandorra.com - they also have a blog with some travel articles available.

Andorra

Skiing is the most obvious sport Andorra is associated with, and not many would consider golf as something else on offer too, considering the country is high in the Pyreenees. But now Andorra has opened Europe’s highest golf course - a challenge many golfers will enjoy.

The neww golf course in Andorra is Grandvalira Golf Soldeu  located in Pla d’ Espiolets. Reachable by an eight passenger cable car, it is Europe’s highest elevated golf course at 2,590 metres (2,850 yards) high. The nine hole course is surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains, creating a unique setting.

The Pyrenees Mountains make a beautiful backdrop for the new golf course. The scenic area has flowing waterfalls, interesting semicircle cliffs, wooded areas, great elevation, metallic ores, stratified rock, wildlife, mineral springs and hot springs. Though it makes a great place for a ski resort, it is also a peaceful place to be when the sun is shining and a warm breeze is in the air. Now holidaymakers can experience an Andorra that caters for golf as well as ski holidays.

The Planning of Grandvalira Golf Soldeu

Planning the location of the new golf course wasn’t easy. It took four years and 3 million euros to plan. The idea was to carefully embed the golf course in the natural environment of the Pyrenees Mountains without disturbing its surroundings. British expert Jeremy Pern led the project. He is famous for his work in designing golf courses.

Building the highest elevated golf course became a labour of love. It is a unique experience for golfers, since it is the only golf course that requires a ride in a cable car to access it. Aside from planning how to get tourists to and from the golf course, a lot of time was devoted to the project. Other time consuming details included construction, greens, planting trees, sodding grass, figuring out how to keep the grass lush, shaping the course and figuring out how to carefully weave the holes among the mountains without disrupting the balance of nature.

Boosting Tourism in Andorra

Andorra is mainly dependent on tourism for its economy to survive. The area brings in more than 9 million visitors per year, mainly for her ski resorts, but there is more to Andorra than the snow capped mountains. Did you know for example that Andorra also offers things to do in the summer months? Aside from skiing and snowboarding, holidaymakers enjoy the hiking trails, mountain biking, helicopter rides, para-gliding, trout fishing, bird watching and horseback riding to name a few.

Finding ways to bring holidaymakers to Andorra in the summer months is one way to build tourism, and golf may be part of the answer. According to the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, golf tourism is worth $17 billion globally. The U.S. is the current leader in the industry, but the UK also cashes in on golf tourism.

Golfers on holiday spend money, not only on the golf course, but also in the surrounding areas, at local attractions, at restaurants, at hotels, on transportation and on shopping. Package deals often include entrance to the golf course, airfare and hotel accommodation. All of which Andorra can offer.

The addition of the highest elevated golf course promises to bring added tourism to Andorra. Grandvalira Golf Soldeu is expected to host renowned golf tournaments throughout the season. It is also offering lessons, rental equipment, a driving range, a practice area and a clubhouse designed for social gatherings.

Golf tourism is expected to bring in extra revenue for Andorra with the opening of Grandvalira Golf Soldeu. While some golfers travel exclusively for specific golf courses or tournaments, others plan their holidays around such events, thus spending more money and staying for an extended period of time. Bringing a high elevation golf course to Andorra is a smart way to maximize the use of the land while attracting tourists on a year-round basis - smart thinking in today’s economy when people are cutting back on holiday spending.

More news about Andorra including skiing - French ski holidays too - is available at yourandorra.com

For Andorra properties and residency visit propertyandorra.com

The majority of people who visit Andorra access via Barcelona.

If you have time on your hands a day or two in Barcelona can be good if you haven’t been before.

Barcelona has once again been chosen as the site for a well known British travel agent conference (ABTA), so if travel agents choose Barcelona there’s got to be something going for the city…

It will be the fourth time the event has taken place in the city. Regularly held over three days in October, it is an important event in the world of travel. Event organisers say that smaller, more localised travel agent conferences will be held for this organization for those who cannot attend due to the recent decline in the economy and the lower conversion rates of the British pound to the euro.

Barcelona offers weekend getaways for those attending travel agent conferences and for others who are merely seeking a weekend away from their daily routines. It is a locale for famous conventions and great holidays alike.

Barcelona History

Barcelona, Spain is an ideal place to escape for a great weekend. Visitors can take in the best of the ancient city without needing to plan holidays time away from work and other responsibilities.

The local climate is moderate throughout the year. The atmosphere offers a friendly welcome to all who visit the area. It is an ideal place to escape the clutches of the harsh winter of other areas around the globe.

The fascinating combination of old and new brings the ancient treasures of Barcelona’s rich history into the modern age as it intermingles with the mysteries of the future. An ideal way to enjoy a great trip is to weave through the maze of narrow streets in the older part of the city for a day. Then, visit the more modern parts of the city that have been brought into the present times.

Old winding streets boast ancient stone fountains and masterpieces created on the ceilings of ancient churches by artistic giants like Picasso. Newer parts of the city boast the effects of the modernist movement that began during the 19th century. Modernistic masterpieces in the form of statues and buildings inspire awe in visitors. Shady parks and calm shorelines of the local beaches offer a quiet escape from the busy city. Marinas are packed with bars and restaurants that feature artistic cocktails and tantalising dishes made with fresh seafood.

Travel to Barcelona

Whether attending the latest travel agent conference or enjoying a great weekend destination, flights to Barcelona are generally easy to obtain at a relatively inexpensive rate and  hotels in Barcelona are plentiful. The summer months tend to bring the heaviest travel season, so planning ahead may be necessary during this time.

Regulations tend to change frequently, so it is recommended that you obtain the latest information concerning visa and passport travel regulations if you live outisde the EU. It is relatively easy for most tourists to obtain the proper travel papers in order to visit Spain.

Barcelona Attractions

It may not be possible to see everything you want to in a single weekend visit to Barcelona. However, you will surely be able to tap into the culture that is the basis for such a great vacation destination. The best method of visiting and enjoying the sites is to determine which areas and places you most want to experience. Enjoy these attractions first. Then fill the rest of your time, if any, with other interests you may come across in your travels and conversations with the local citizens.

Be sure to avoided wearing yourself out too early in the day. The Barcelona night life is an exceptional element of making this a great vacation destination. The magical nights of the city bring the local flavour to life. Flamenco dancers, street concerts and sidewalk theaters abound all over the city. It is said that Barcelona vibrates with enthusiastic life and the city never sleeps.

You will likely be planning a return visit long before the excitement of your most recent experience has waned. For travel agents seeking a memorable conference experience and visitors wanting to plan a great vacation for even a weekend, Barcelona, Spain offers the best of the ancient and modern worlds for you to discover and cherish at your own pace, however long you are visiting for.

The Novatel bus runs from Barcelona Airport to Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra

See http://www.yourandorra.com/airport for more details.

Where’s some of the best skiing in Europe, apart from Andorra and the Pyrenees?

According to the British skiing fraternity who ski there more than anywhere else - it’s the French Alps.

The Alpine Mountain Range is often referred to as the ‘Alps’ and stretches across much of Europe. The Alps are often divided into two categories - Eastern Alps and Western Alps. The Western Alps include the mountains located in Italy, France and Switzerland.

Skiing in the French Alps is an adventure like no other. Royalty, celebrities and people from all walks of life can be found at various times skiing in the French Alps. The highest mountain in the Alps is Mont Blanc at 4808 meters.

La Plagne

Nestled atop a magnificent glacier on Mount Bellecote is the world class skiing area of La Plagne.

Surrounded by the majestic Vanoise Massif Mountains in the Graian Alps, La Plagne resort beckons the avid skier. It is spread over an altitude of 1250 to 3250 metres. The result is a variety of terrains and altitudes appealing to beginners and experts alike.

The ski area was built in 1961 with the hope of attracting tourism money. It was largely conceived in the interest of four small mountain villages. The fledgling towns were dying and hoped to capitalise on the gorgeous natural beauty of the area. Today’s La Plagne is comprised of many different and distinctive villages. All are linked to one another by ski lifts and trails for those who prefer cross-country skiing. The villages continue to expand, giving it a competitive edge for ski holidays when it comes to tourism revenue.

Even the non-skier will find something to love about La Plagne. Non-skiers may choose from over 50 pubs and restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. After dark visitors can hit one of the resort’s many night clubs for an evening of dancing and partying. Numerous daytime activities entertain and engage those who choose not to ski as well. Winter-sport activities include ice skating, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Les Menuires

Located in Belleville Valley, the Les Menuires ski holidays resort hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics and is part of the largest ski area in the world, Les Trois Valleys. The Three Valleys are comprised of several resorts that host millions of skiers per year. Les Menuires boasts 62 ski trails, advanced and beginner ski slopes and 39 ski lifts. The resort’s 48 restaurants offer foods ranging from fast food to fine cuisin and is an excellent location for a  French ski holiday

La Grave la Meije

La Grave is a commune in southeastern France and the location of La Meije. Three summits comprise La Meije with the highest summit being 3,984 m. Mountain climbers and rock climbers challenge themselves to reach the highest summit of La Meije. The very first successful climb was by Emmanuel Boileau de Castelneu and Pierre Gaspard and his son on August 16, 1877. Glacier climbing or ice climbing is a very popular sport in La Grave as well. One hundred to 300 metre climbing routes offer a variety of difficulty.

Much of the La Grave la Meije ski area is glacier and considered dangerous. Guided skiing is recommended. Extreme skiers find a great deal of fascination and appeal in La Grave la Meije due to the enormous vertical drops and extreme ski conditions - not for those having a first ski holiday maybe!